Royal Brackla 1975 (SV cask #5413)

Brackla was founded in 1812. In 1835, it was the first of three distilleries allowed to use “Royal” in its name. It was mothballed from 1985 to 1991 and is now refurbished under Dewar & Sons.

Royal Brackla 25 yo 1975 (55,4%, Signatory Vintage 2001, cask #5413)

Nose: quite waxy and oily. Paraffin. Lemon and flints. Alternating with waves of fruity notes and marmalade. Some hay and walnuts. Gravel and stone dust. Not the most exuberant nose, after all the prominent wax makes it a little subdued, but I love its ‘nakedness’ and sincere style. It’s old and it doesn’t try to disguise it, if you know what I mean. Mouth: strong attack, initially rather sweet but quickly drying. Extremely drying – very oaky and full of pine resin. Getting really bitter as well. Nutmeg, pepper, over-infused tea, grapefruit peel… Bonkers! As if the palate is suddenly flooded by oak. Finish: very bitter. Too long, I would say.

Wow, what a strange dram. I could score this high for a very nice nose and a palate that’s nothing like any other dram I’ve ever tasted. On the other hand, the bitter oak on the palate is completely over the top and deserves something like 50/100. Anyway you’re warned: the score is slightly arbitrary.